June 11, 2024

Oats are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be adapted beautifully to Indian flavors and cooking styles. By incorporating oats into traditional Indian recipes, you can create delicious and wholesome breakfast options that are both satisfying and healthy. Let's explore some exciting Indian-style oats recipes that will add variety and a burst of flavor to your morning routine.

1. Masala Oats

Masala oats are a savory and spicy dish, perfect for those who prefer a hearty breakfast with a kick.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Add carrots and peas, sauté for a few minutes.
5. Add turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
6. Add rolled oats and stir to coat them with the spices.
7. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the oats are cooked and the mixture thickens.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

2. Oats Upma

Oats upma is a nutritious twist on the traditional semolina upma, incorporating the health benefits of oats.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup peas
- A few curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the oats in a pan until they turn slightly golden and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add urad dal and chana dal. Sauté until they turn golden.
4. Add onions, green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
5. Add grated carrot and peas. Cook for a few minutes.
6. Add roasted oats and mix well.
7. Pour in water and add salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the water is absorbed and the oats are cooked.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

3. Oats Idli

Oats idli is a healthy variation of the traditional rice and lentil idli, perfect for a light and nutritious breakfast.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup semolina (sooji)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Oil for greasing the idli molds

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the oats until they turn slightly golden. Let them cool and then grind into a fine powder.
2. In a large bowl, mix the oats powder, semolina, yogurt, and salt. Add water as needed to make a thick batter.
3. Just before steaming, add baking soda to the batter and mix well.
4. Grease the idli molds with oil and pour the batter into the molds.
5. Steam the idlis for about 10-12 minutes or until they are cooked through.
6. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

4. Oats Chilla

Oats chilla is a quick and healthy savory pancake made with oats and vegetables, perfect for a nutritious breakfast.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the oats until they turn slightly golden. Let them cool and then grind into a coarse powder.
2. In a bowl, mix the oats powder, besan, chopped vegetables, green chili, coriander leaves, and salt.
3. Add water to make a thick batter.
4. Heat a non-stick pan and grease it with a little oil. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it out to form a thin pancake.
5. Cook on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve hot with mint chutney or yogurt.

 

FAQ's

Q1. Are these Indian-style oats recipes suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, all the recipes provided can be easily adapted to suit a vegan diet. Simply use oil or a vegan alternative like coconut oil instead of ghee, and ensure that all other ingredients used are vegan-friendly.

Q2. Can I prepare these recipes in advance for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare masala oats, oats upma, oats idli batter, and oats chilla batter in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few days. This makes for convenient and quick breakfast options during busy mornings.

Q3. Can I replace rolled oats with instant oats in these recipes?

While you can technically use instant oats in these recipes, the texture and consistency may vary slightly. Rolled oats tend to provide a heartier texture, especially in dishes like masala oats and oats chilla. However, if instant oats are all you have on hand, feel free to use them with minor adjustments in cooking time and liquid ratio.

Q4. Are these recipes suitable for children?

Yes, these Indian-style oats recipes can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. They offer a delicious and nutritious way to start the day and can be customized to suit individual taste preferences. Plus, they're a great way to introduce kids to traditional Indian flavors in a familiar and comforting format.

Q5. Can I adjust the spice levels in these recipes to suit my taste?

Absolutely! The spice levels in these recipes can be easily adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili or add your favorite hot sauce or chili powder to taste.

Conclusion

Incorporating oats into Indian-style breakfast dishes is a great way to enjoy their health benefits while savoring familiar flavors. Whether you prefer the spicy kick of masala oats, the savory taste of oats upma, the light and fluffy texture of oats idli, or the quick and easy oats chilla, there's a recipe for every palate. Try these Indian-style oats recipes and start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast.